Cartouche with Putti
1704
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1704
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
This drawing shows a fancy, swirling frame filled with tiny winged babies called putti. The frame looks like carved metal with leaves, flowers, and scrolls. In the center sits a smooth, pale oval shape—maybe a shield or a mirror—with a few red spots. The putti are scattered around, some holding tools or playing with the decorations. The red spots on the oval might be intentional, like a stain or a mark. This style was popular in the 1700s for fancy decorations. Check out the Baroque movement for more wild, detailed art like this.
